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Originally Posted by 28StGreek
This is anecdotal as it has been quite a few years since it occured. When I was on our campus' Greek Diversity Encouragement Council. I remember none of the NPHC groups wanted to take part in it. It was as if they preferred being themselves racially segregated yet at the same time point out about the 'white' dominance of IFC and NPC glos. I also remember how we made a point that the traditionally NPC/IFC Songfest philanthropy event was open to NPHC groups (as well as other groups like Dorm/Residential Orgs) but I think only Alpha Phi Alpha took up the offer, and it only happened once. And on top of that I remember various Greek town hall-stye meetings where NPHC members were invited, as well as the other greek councils, their participation was minimal.
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Not to give excuses, but here are some things to consider.
1. Numbers: Chapters are not generally having lines of 100+. The Delta chapter at my UG had 13 members at one point, but most of the time there was less. If a chapter has 7 members, it's a different ball game. The entire NPC chapter will not have to participate in a "Songfest," while a 7 member NPHC chapter would have to participate, not everyone wants to make that commitment. Anytime a small chapter makes a commitment, it has to be considered that ALL members would want to do it.
2. Commitments: Many members of NPHC chapters are also involved in other organizations. Many Black Student Unions have Greeks as board/committee members. This along with NPHC boards and orgs like NAACP, Greek Service Orgs, Bible Studies, Athletic Teams, Dance Teams, Political Orgs, etc. So if the 7 member NPHC chapter has 4 members on other boards, most likely the other 3 members are supporting those organizations as well. Adding more meetings, along with school and work is a bit much. I knew one Zeta who was on the Black Student Union board, NPHC board as well as her own chapter board. That's 4 meetings (Black student Union has exec board and general meetings) that she was running to, along with programs in those orgs.
I have a very close friend who is Black and a member if a IFC frat. He was also president of our Black Student Union and on the board for the College Democrats. He was worn out, so he couldn't always participate in every event. He had tons of brothers who could attend on his behalf, that isn't always an option for NPHC orgs.
3. National mandates: Most NPHC chapters have a full slate of national and regional programs that they have to participate. Schedules get pretty packed with these programs, meetings, service projects, etc. This isn't adding the social events, such as step shows, talent shows, fashion shows, parties, etc, which are often planned months in advance. We're not even adding factors like intake, or going to things other NPHC chapters are holding at nearby universities.
I know programs like Songfest require many months of planning and resources. They do it at my university as well. They have a lot of elaborate themes, costumes, sets, etc. But NPC/IFC groups know it is coming because it is discussed at their meetings constantly. Plus since it is done yearly, it's common knowledge to be prepared for the program. I'm curious to ask how much time in advance the non-NPC/IFC orgs were given to start working on something for Songfest. At my university it is a competition, so you have to put your best foot forward!
And maybe it is on a date when NPHC orgs have a program/meeting. I remember when my university hosted a stepshow and the NPC/IFC orgs were invited to attend. There were very few in attendance and initially it was disappointing, but then people found out some NPC/IFC orgs had a function at the same time. It shouldn't be assumed that NPHC members are just sitting on their behinds. Sometimes it is just not a priority.
Sorry for the novel.
